ANATOMICAL VARIANTS DURING AXILLARY DISSECTION

Background This study was done to document the variations encountered in the anatomy of the axilla because of the difficulty they can cause during dissection. Methods A record was made of the anatomy of the axi lla in 100 patients with breast cancer who had an axillary dissection. Results The variants from the described normal included double axilla ry veins, abnormal bands of muscle from the latissimus dorsi stretchin g across the axilla and a medial lying thoracodorsal nerve. Conclusion Damage to important structures in the axilla during axillary dissecti on can be minimized with an awareness of the possible anatomical varia tions.